Systems and methods consistent with principles of the present invention
allow contactless measurements of voltage characteristics of dynamic
electrical signals in integrated circuits. The invention utilizes a
signal analysis circuit, such as a voltage comparator, disposed with the
circuit under test, which is optically coupled with the external timing
measurement equipment. The signal analysis circuit changes its state
depending on the characteristics of the measured electrical signal
applied thereto. The changes in the condition of the signal analysis
circuit are sensed by the external timing measurement equipment provided
outside the circuit under test. To this end, the signal analysis circuit
is optically coupled with the external measurement equipment registering
specific changes in the condition of the signal analysis circuit. The
information on the condition of the signal analysis circuit registered by
the external measurement equipment is used to study the characteristics
of the dynamic electrical signals within the circuit.